Beverly Hills, CA — Oscar® nominee Eddie Murphy, whose performing career spans movies, television and the stage, will host this year’s Academy Awards show on Sunday, February 26, 2012, telecast producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer announced today. This will be Murphy’s first hosting stint on the Oscars®.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” said Ratner. “With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances – especially on stage – I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February.”

Commented Mischer, “Eddie is a truly ground-breaking performer, whose amazingly diverse array of roles has won him a devoted audience of all ages. His quick wit and charisma will serve him very well as Oscar host.”

“I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others,” said Murphy. “I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year.”

Murphy began his career at the age of 15 as a stand-up comedian. In 1980, at the age of 19, he joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live,” becoming the show’s youngest cast member to that point, and bringing to life many of the show’s most memorable characters. His 1983 album “Eddie Murphy: Comedian” won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording. It included portions of his groundbreaking HBO special “Eddie Murphy Delirious.” In 1987, “Eddie Murphy Raw” was theatrically released and went on to gross over $50 million. Murphy made his feature film debut in 1982 with the classic “48 Hrs.” and would go on to star in such box-office hits as “Beverly Hills Cop” and the “The Nutty Professor” and “Shrek” franchises. All told, movies in which he has performed have earned in excess of $7 billion worldwide during their theatrical releases.

Murphy earned an Oscar nomination in 2006 for his supporting role in “Dreamgirls.”

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Personally I think he’s a great choice and I think he’s gonna bring 80’s Murphy not Nutty Professor Murphy. And since Hollywood is a BUSINESS it fits in nicely with Tower Heist and the film he has out in January.

But the thing I’m most curious about is all the naysayers who are so quick to crap all over this. After you get done crapping all over Eddie Murphy as the choice because he hasn’t been funny in years or he’s too this or too that or he makes kiddie pix, let’s hear who you would have picked instead. It’s only fair that you share your expert wisdom on the matter.

OK Mike. If I was to produce the Oscars, I would make the show about one thing – the Oscars. I would have the no-host concept, get rid of the written jokes as they are not funny, get rid of the opening schtick / dance number as that is also not funny / or entertaining and allow the spontaneity of the winners be the show’s entertainment.

I would also get rid of the live song performed during the “In Memoriam” segment as people can’t applaud the legacy of someone who passed away (one of the worst things from last time).

Within the first 5 minutes of my produced Oscars telecast, you would see a winner accepting the first award of the night. You would also see a timely event. I want presenters to announce the nominees and winners, winners accepting their award and bam! on to the next award so we can all get the hell out of there and party as soon as possible.

Your awards ceremony sounds wack. I would much rather watch the one with Eddie Murphy – who is hilarious – hosting. Plus, it’ll be nice to see someone of color on the stage besides the obligatory trotting out of Halle Berry.

That awards show sounds like a major snooze-fest for the at-home audience. They still do want to bring in bigger ratings for the Oscars. Who is going to want to watch a bunch of awards being read off one by one to actors for movies that no one cares about? Granted the dance numbers are exhausted, however taking out musical numbers and performances, even the opening monologue leaves little left to entertain.

Sorry Larry, but your show sounds awful and incredibly boring. The only reason anyone watches is for the host, the first two awards and the last four. Why would anyone sit through four hours of awards with nothing in between to keep us entertained?

I wouldn’t want to work for you either. You sound like a real snooze. Anyone else have any suggestions? Personally, I think what would liven up the show is if they served booze like they do at the Golden Globes.

Again, buddy system at work. Eddie as fun (as he used to be) always has a sour ‘tude, he’s too cool, he’s too good, he’s misunderstood…NO! he’s just not relevant or funny anymore! Bring back Billy Crystal, a real class act. Or Ricky Gervais…he’ll put them in their place quick!!

This is genius on so many levels. I’m excited and cannot think of anyone else who could excite me more as host. I love Eddie. He’s hysterical live and I know he won’t tolerate pandering or anyone trying to direct or control his comedy. I’m gonna be here crossing my fingers for him to blow the roof off. Yay!

If this is indication of where Brett’s heading I’m in full support. Bravo!

The Oscars is ” traditional ” therefore going with Eddie Murphy the ” unconventional ” is perfect. He’s edgy, great comedian, knows how to work the crowd, his materials are hysterical if you have a sense of humor, more importantly he’s the most honest comedian in his materials that I’ve heard, the materials come from the honesty of his heart and it’s what makes it great! I love Eddie Murphy, uninhibited, opinionated, and brutally honest in his comedy. He’s so funny that he will bring the house down and he is exactly the ” jolt ” that the Oscars need ! But they should ask him not to get vulgar as he can when he’s on a roll in his act, but other than that, he’s a natural talent at comedy! He knows how to make people laugh, and feel good! It’s good the audience see that the Oscars is not just about the awards, but its people also have spirit, soul, edgy, alive and able to laugh at themselves! Let the audience see a slightly different side of the Oscars is refreshing! Everything comes out of Eddie’s mouth is pretty much a joke and supposed to be funny, so everyone accepting awards should all laugh and not take everything so personal or seriously! He’s at his best when he’s Eddie Murphy ” raw ” :)